Research object is Byzantine range of goods, markets nomenclature and specialization of commerce within 4-9th centuries. The aim of the work is the complex study of basic food nomenclature, raw materials, craft goods of Byzantine trade in 4-9th cent. and its relevant specialization of trading-craft activities. Scientific novelty is: for the first time in historical science a complex and diverse material of narrative and archaeological sources about the main objects of trade in Byzantium was fully completed, generalized and systematized which allows us to reconstruct the structure of this range and specialization of its commerce in transition period from Late Antiquity to the Early Middle Ages; the complete main terminology of market products in 4-9th cent. and professional specialization related to it has been determined; the main groups of Roman commercial products were highlighted and substantiated; it was found out that the salt was the second most important merchant object after the grain; it was ascertained that Roman public houses usually were versatile eateries while were engaged in trade of bread; it was identified that the term ??? ?????????? was used for drinking establishments, taverns that serve not just refreshing, but also alcoholic beverages; it was proved that the statement about quality deterioration of Romans’ diet because of vegetables and herbs prevalence in the aliments range do not correspond to reality. Indeed with the appearance of fasts tradition (200 days per year) the number of consumed plant food has increased, but it should be marked that Romans did not always held a strict fast. Also the presence of meat, poultry, eggs, fish, dairy products and legumes in the commodity range indicates the sufficient protein supply; it was determined the specialization in fish trade deepened and became stricter not earlier than the end of the 9th cent. when arrived new profession of fish-seller ? ??????????? who were buying fish from fishers (? ??????) and were selling fresh fish by retail or were reselling it for smokers (? ??????????); for one’s turn smokers were selling this smoke-dried prepared fish for grocers (? ????????????) who on a par with retail-dealers or small tavern-keepers (? ???????) had a right to sell cooked fish in particular; it was specified the division of the labor organization in slaughter cattle trade and butcher’s work; it was identified relatively stable range of raw materials selling types, though the decrease in specialization of raw market was traced from 6-7th cent.; it was found that the most of professions, which related to food and raw materials markets, had not a trade, but handicraft nature; it was specified the assortment of Roman clothes kinds which were offered for sale; it was ascertained that the term ??? ???????? was designated not a silk fabrics but linen or mixed (silk-linen) composition textiles; the existence of (? ??????????) was traced already from 4-5th cent., also it was specified that they were occupied not just with shoemaking, like professionals ? ??????????? (shoemakers) did, but also they produced small leather goods for sale; it was proved that Byzantine pottery in the «dark ages» despite the fact of possible recession wasn't in totally decay; it was found that profession of merchant in spices, perfumes, medicines and substances for the chandlery preparation knew terminology unification (from ??? ??????????, (unguentarii / seplasiarii), ?? ???????????? (pigmentarii), ?? ????????????? (thurarii), ? ????????????, ? ???????????? to ?? ?????????????, ? ???????) but in actuality remained in the same specialization level; it was determined that ? ???????????? profession had exclusively commercial and financial nature and has never been directly related to the jewelry manufacturing; it was calculated the number of food items (150), raw materials (65), crafts objects (411) and also the number, nature and degree of trading-craft activities specialization connected with them; it was found that the quantity of manufacturing professions was in 8 times more than quantity of commercial occupations; wine merchants’ specialization was clarified; it was specified that the term ??? ???????? meant not only purple silk fabric, but also high-grade linen cloth in different colors as finished products which did not require cutting. Practical value of the research is that its results can be used in the preparation of generalizing works, manuals, textbooks and dictionaries of Byzantine studies, general courses and courses of the Byzantine history and medieval economy in general, as well as while organizing the museum exhibitions. Scope of application: higher educational institutions.
